Building: Lex 54

The new world meets the old on East 54th Street between Lexington and Park Avenue with a mix of office towers, impressive townhouse mansions, and 135 East 54th Street — a condominium with 24-hour doorman/concierge service.

The “Lex 54” has great curb appeal with several planters and a handsome awning. The spacious lobby is tastefully appointed and furnished.

It was erected in 1950-51 as a rental building and converted to condominium ownership in 1985. The apartments were designed by the architect firm of Rosario Candela, a legendary residential builder in New York City during the first half of the 20th Century,
Certain characteristics are reminiscent of the prewar luxury apartment building era — the wedding-cake construction style with setback terraces on the top floors, the absence of through-wall air conditioning; and roomy apartments with formal entrance foyers, high ceilings, and ample closet space. The yellow brick, the preponderance of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom homes, and mostly interior kitchens and bathrooms, and its shear size (approximately 140 apartments), are distinctly post-war.
Because of the building’s central Midtown location on the northwest corner of Lexington Avenue and 54th Street, it houses numerous storefronts and commercial spaces on the ground level and second floor.

The Citicorp Building, and a major subway hub, is diagonally across the street. It is a 10 minute walk to 5th Avenue and Central Park and 5 minutes to Whole Foods Supermarket on 57th Street.

Description provided by Steen Rasmussen